…Says deliberate investment in women farmers key to food security
The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, has said the bank has disbursed over ₦8 billion to women across Nigeria through targeted financing initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for female farmers and agribusiness operators.
In a statement signed by Team Lead, Corporate Communication Department, Ruth Didam, Sotinrin said the intervention reflects the dual banners of the global campaign theme “Give to Gain” and the United Nations’ call for “Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls,” approach.
The statement stressed that investing deliberately in women farmers and entrepreneurs is key to strengthening food security and driving inclusive economic growth.
According to him, the funds were provided through the bank’s accessible financial windows including the Grow and Earn More (GEM) programme, the Micro Agric Loan, and the Micro Non-Agric Loan, which support both individual female entrepreneurs and organised women groups engaged in agriculture and agribusiness.
He explained that the intervention aligns with the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme which calls for deliberate action to empower women and unlock their economic potential.
“Empowering a woman is not merely a philanthropic act; it is one of the most strategic investments we can make in Nigeria’s economy,” Sotinrin said.
“When we give our resources, mentorship, and trust to women, we gain a multiplier effect of productivity that uplifts households, strengthens communities, and advances national food security. At the Bank of Agriculture, we are committed to leading this transformation,” he added.
Sotinrin noted that the bank’s support for women aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises agriculture, food security and inclusive economic growth as key pillars of national development.
He said through its programmes and financing initiatives, the bank continues to expand opportunities for farmers, particularly women, enabling them to grow their businesses, diversify livelihoods and strengthen household incomes nationwide.
The BOA boss further revealed that the bank’s impact is visible across communities where women-led groups are benefiting from agricultural financing and capacity support.
These include Unity Farmers Group 7 Project involved in maize production and Araokanmi Farmers Group engaged in gari processing in the South-West; Uyanwanne MPCS Onitsha working on cassava production and Chianyinadindu Women Group focusing on vegetable farming in the South-East.
Other beneficiaries include Divine Favour Cooperative and King-Size Cooperative in the South-South involved in poultry production; Akpajeshi Women Enterprise Groups in North-Central engaged in gari processing and groundnut cake production; as well as the Women in Business Forum and Borno Agricultural Village Women Wing supporting poultry and livestock fattening in the North-East.
Similarly, Badna Women MPCS and Gbagyi Women MPCS in the North-West are benefiting from the scheme through various farming activities.
Sotinrin also disclosed that the bank recently facilitated the handover of subsidised tractors to Women Mechanisation Service Providers across the country to expand mechanised agriculture and close the gender gap in access to modern farming equipment.
According to him, the initiative positions women not only as farmers but also as providers of mechanisation services within their communities, thereby improving productivity and strengthening national food security.
“As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Bank of Agriculture calls on government, the private sector and civil society to give to gain by investing in women, mechanising their farms, funding their businesses and nurturing the next generation of female leaders,” he said.
He stressed that empowering women remains critical to achieving sustainable development and building a prosperous nation, noting that when women thrive, Nigeria thrives.
